Preparatory News

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER’S DESK

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Schools have long recognised the importance of reading. Fostering a love of reading is a crucial role that teachers and parents play in the lives of children.

Researchers have discovered that reading is not simply a mechanism to acquire knowledge; one of the significant ways in which reading positively impacts our thinking is through perspective-taking. When reading, we find ourselves thinking about characters in books with perspectives very different from our own, which allows us to grow in emotional intelligence and empathy. Our brains show significant increases in activity when we read, not just in the language centres.

According to Maryanne Wolf, a literacy scholar and professor of childhood development, deep reading nourishes our capacity for attention and empathy. Other crucial skills developed include:

Language and Literacy Skills: Reading daily, even in infancy, stimulates brain development, aids language acquisition, and strengthens communication skills.

Cognitive Development: It enhances concentration, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.

Emotional and Social Growth: Books help children understand and manage emotions, develop empathy by experiencing different perspectives, and foster social skills.

Imagination and Creativity: Reading sparks creativity and allows children to explore new worlds, ideas, and cultures.

Academic Success and Knowledge: Early exposure to books improves academic performance, helps children learn about the world, and prepares them for school.

Bonding Time: Reading together provides a quiet, shared experience that strengthens the emotional bond between parents and children.

Mental Wellbeing: It promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and fosters a lifelong love of learning.

Without doubt, a focus on reading is beneficial for all children. In 2025, the Preparatory School embarked on a drive to focus on reading and improve this skill across the grades. Introducing the ‘Time to Read’ Programme was a crucial first step. The same system is being used by the St Dunstan’s Pre-School. This cohesion between the schools allows for more rapid acquisition of reading skills. In addition, the library has been upgraded and a part-time librarian employed.

We are excited about the positive benefits these changes will bring. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage parents to work in partnership with the school by encouraging their children to read. My hope is that the Half-Term break will prove to be a time of recuperation, relaxation, and perhaps time spent reading a good book. School reopens on Tuesday, 24 February.

God bless,

Matthew Moolman